Summarised by Centrist
More than 275 LPGA and Epson Tour players are demanding changes to the LPGA’s Gender Policy as transgender golfer Hailey Davidson competes for LPGA status. The Independent Women’s Forum’s letter relates the players’ concerns about competitive, fairness and possible advantages, triggering a policy review by LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan.
The letter outlines perceived biological differences that impact performance, such as clubhead speed and endurance, saying testosterone suppression doesn’t equalise these differences.
It states that “it is essential for the integrity and fairness of women’s golf to have a clear and consistent participation policy” based on biological sex.
Davidson, competing in LPGA Qualifying, faces strong reactions within women’s golf. Retired LPGA player Amy Olson calls for a return to requiring athletes to be “female at birth,” citing concerns about competitive equity. “The LPGA has fought so hard for women golfers for over 70 years,” Olson said, expressing “cautious optimism” for a policy update.
Conversely, LPGA veteran Sarah Kemp supports Davidson’s right to compete, describing the criticism Davidson endures as “cruel and shameful.” Kemp added that Davidson works hard, but “hasn’t been able to break through in women’s professional golf.”
Davidson, who began hormone treatments in 2015 and underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2021, opened the recent LPGA Qualifying event with a six-over 78.
